Gun control has become a hot-button topic again in the past few years, with several high-profile mass shootings having taken place in the United States. In response to these shootings, many on the pro-gun control side have exhibited outright fear of guns, even to the point of expelling children from school just because an object they possess is shaped like a gun, while many on the pro gun-rights side have called for loosening the restrictions currently in place regarding firearm ownership.
In this project, I examine the ideas of projection and perception when it comes to possession of a firearm. In each diptych, a person is photographed empty-handed in the first frame and then photographed with what they believe is a loaded firearm in the second frame. It is necessary that the subject believe the firearm is loaded, as an unloaded firearm does not have the same power as an object as a loaded firearm. The subjects are photographed on a plain background so the viewer is only able to focus on the person rather than the environment. As a result, the viewer must confront his or her own prejudices regarding people and the object of power that they hold. In terms of the subject, they must also come to terms with how they will carry themselves while in possession of an object that is designed to kill.
The gun control debate is one that is not likely to be over soon. The on-going goal with this project will be to foster greater understanding of the positions of both sides of the debate. When they can come to a greater understanding each other, meaningful dialog and sensible action can be taken to reduce gun violence in the United States and hopefully prevent another mass shooting.
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